Strelitzia nicolai - Giant Bird-of-Paradise Flowers

That plant is so impressive and exotic looking. We see them in Mexico in many places.

It's a weed here. It's mass-planted by many buildings and businesses. It's a super common plant because it's very cheap and grows fast and is super drought tolerant.

They don't last long as a cut flower. I thought they were supposed to be great for long lasting arrangements? My wife cut a half dozen in their pre prime... just 3 days later,wilting.
GBOP flower is even worse. But,its so large,I only cut one once for that.

The Strelitzia reginae last for weeks. This one I've never tried as a cut flower.

They last for weeks on the plant!..as cut flowers? It better be a special 3 days.
I wonder why they have the reputation?..no wonder the flowers sell for so much.

Anthuriums? THEY LAST. More then I ever would have guessed.

Oh yes, Anthuriums last a a very long time, as cut flowers.

I need to buy a couple of new Anthuriums. My plants are very old. They decline throughout the years. Michael Kartuz from Kartuz Greenhouse in Vista, say when they look like they're declining. One should cut them up in pieces and restart them (these are for the flower types). The big-leaf ones do very well here. I've had a Anthurium 'Lazarz' since 2002. It's tough as nails! It stays in shade and doesn't get much attention and continues to thrive through drought and heat!

Here's some pics of my A. 'Lazarz'.

http://www.growsonyou.com/Delonix1/photos/Lazarz

Great looking Anthurium. Different too. One to look for.

It's one hybrid I've never seen for sale again.